getting something open

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting something open" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the action of making something accessible or unsealed. Example: "I had trouble getting the jar open." Alternative expressions include "opening something" and "unsealing something."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so that's settled: new battery, two new tyres and a full MOT, and mum will do you a little stocking so you've got something to open on the actual day.

Vice

It sounds like something out of the 50's, but nothing makes a guy feel better than to do something for you, be it opening a pickle jar or getting something down off of a high shelf.

WikiHow

Talk to them if you feel like you need to get something in the open; don't keep all the emotions bottled up.

WikiHow

"I think baseball would like to get something done before opening day, and we'd like to get something done before opening day," Hirschbeck said after the umpires meeting.

The New York Times - Sports

The psychologists Felix Warneken and Michael Tomasello have put toddlers in situations in which an adult is struggling to get something done, like opening a cabinet door with his hands full or trying to get to an object out of reach.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is time to get something out in the open.

Forbes

They're going to have to come out to try to get something, and that will open up the game.

BBC

Like Patrik Ourednik's Europeana, one of my favorite novels of the last 20 years, Chasin's ability to synthesize so many historical factors into a relentless voice quickly takes on a monolithic sort of stature, the kind of book that you can get something from just by opening it and reading any page.

Vice

"I think those of us who are a little more open-minded got something out of it," Mr. Marinac says.

The New York Times

There's a lot of good beer to be found, particularly if you've got something as meticulously researched and open-minded as De Moor's new book to hand.

Independent

"I was just trying to attack and get to the hole and either get something to the rim, get an open shot for my teammates or get to the free-throw line," Jefferson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting something open", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opened. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "getting something open" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "facilitating access" or "enabling the commencement of" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting something open" functions as a verbal phrase, typically describing the process of making something accessible or initiating an action. It implies a transition from a closed or inaccessible state to an open or accessible one.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Wiki

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Less common in

Academia

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Formal & Business

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting something open" refers to the process of making something accessible. While grammatically correct, its usage is best suited for informal contexts. More formal situations may warrant alternatives like "opening something" or "facilitating access". Due to the lack of examples, assessing its frequency and typical contexts is challenging. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "getting something open" or a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Opening something

Focuses directly on the action of opening, omitting the acquisition aspect.

Managing to open something

Highlights the effort or difficulty involved in opening.

Having something opened

Emphasizes the state of being open after the action.

Arranging for something to be opened

Involves planning or causing something to be opened by someone else.

Obtaining access

Focuses on gaining entry or access rather than a physical opening.

Gaining access to something

Emphasizes the act of achieving access, implying overcoming an obstacle.

Securing an opening

Highlights the act of creating or finding an opportunity.

Achieving an open state

Focuses on the result, emphasizing the condition of being open.

Facilitating the opening of

Implies making the process of opening easier or possible.

Procuring an opening

Focuses on obtaining or acquiring an opportunity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "getting something open"?

Alternatives include "opening something", "gaining access to something", or "facilitating access", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "getting something open" grammatically correct?

Yes, "getting something open" is grammatically correct, though its appropriateness depends on context. It's generally suitable for informal or everyday conversation but may be less fitting in formal writing.

What's the difference between "getting something open" and "opening something"?

"Opening something" is a more direct and concise way to describe the action. "Getting something open" may imply a process or effort involved in achieving the opening.

When is it best to use "getting something open" over other options?

Use "getting something open" when you want to emphasize the process or effort required to open something, or in informal contexts where the phrasing sounds natural and conversational.